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At least 217 records · Page 12

Experimental evaluation of the certification-trail method

Certification trails are a recently introduced and promising approach to fault-detection and fault-tolerance. A comprehensive attempt to assess experimentally the performance and overall value of the method is reported. The method is applied to algorithms for the following problems: huffman tree, shortest path, minimum spanning tree, sorting, and convex hull. Our results reveal many cases in which an approach using certification-trails allows for significantly faster overall program execution time than a basic time redundancy-approach. Algorithms for the answer-validation problem for abstract data types were also examined. This kind of problem provides a basis for applying the certification-trail method to wide classes of algorithms. Answer-validation solutions for two types of priority queues were implemented and analyzed. In both cases, the algorithm which performs answer-validation is substantially faster than the original algorithm for computing the answer. Next, a probabilistic model and analysis which enables comparison between the certification-trail method and the time-redundancy approach were presented. The analysis reveals some substantial and sometimes surprising advantages for ther certification-trail method. Finally, the work our group performed on the design and implementation of fault injection testbeds for experimental analysis of the certification trail technique is discussed. This work employs two distinct methodologies, software fault injection (modification of instruction, data, and stack segments of programs on a Sun Sparcstation ELC and on an IBM 386 PC) and hardware fault injection (control, address, and data lines of a Motorola MC68000-based target system pulsed at logical zero/one values). Our results indicate the viability of the certification trail technique. It is also believed that the tools developed provide a solid base for additional exploration.

Sullivan, Gregory F.↗

Efficient Low Dissipative High Order Schemes for Multiscale MHD Flows: Minimization of Delta * B Numerical Error - II

The generalization of a class of low-dissipative high order filter finite difference schemes for long time wave propagation of shock/turbulence/combustion compressible viscous gas dynamic flows to compressible MHD equations for structured curvilinear grids has been developed. The new scheme consists of a divergence free preserving high order spatial base scheme with a filter approach which can be divergence-free preserving depending on the type of filter operator being used, the method of applying the filter step, and the type of flow problem to be considered. Several variants of the filter approach that cater to different flow types are proposed. These filters provide a natural and efficient way for the minimization of the divergence of the magnetic field (Delta * B) numerical error in the sense that no standard divergence cleaning is required. Performance evaluation of these variants, and the key role that the proper treatment of their corresponding numerical boundary conditions can play will be illustrated. Many levels of grid refinement and detailed comparison with several commonly used compressible MHD shock-capturing schemes will be sought. For certain MHD 2-D test problems, divergence free preservation of the magnetic fields of these filter schemes has been achieved.

Sjoegreen, Bjoern↗

Vectorization and parallelization of the finite strip method for dynamic Mindlin plate problems

The finite strip method is a semi-analytical finite element process which allows for a discrete analysis of certain types of physical problems by discretizing the domain of the problem into finite strips. This method decomposes a single large problem into m smaller independent subproblems when m harmonic functions are employed, thus yielding natural parallelism at a very high level. In this paper we address vectorization and parallelization strategies for the dynamic analysis of simply-supported Mindlin plate bending problems and show how to prevent potential conflicts in memory access during the assemblage process. The vector and parallel implementations of this method and the performance results of a test problem under scalar, vector, and vector-concurrent execution modes on the Alliant FX/80 are also presented.

Chen, Hsin-Chu↗

Recent theoretical work on Cepheids and other types of variables

Some important problems in the theory of Cepheids and of other types of variables are pointed out. Three of these are: (1) large-amplitude mode behavior; (2) convection; and (3) Cepheid masses, which must essentially always be inferred indirectly. Of the several types of indirect mass which can be defined, the inferred masses of the 'beat (or double-mode) Cepheids,' seem to be smaller than one expects for this period range by factors of 2-3. For the nonbeat Cepheids, the indirect masses also appear to be low as compared with conventional stellar evolution theory, but by a smaller amount, say some 20-40 percent. Some conceivable ways of explaining these mass discrepancies are discussed. The question of whether the apparently predominantly radial pulsations of the beat Cepheids could be contaminated with a small admixture of nonradial pulsations, so that the use of purely radial pulsation theory may not be applicable to the beat Cepheids is addressed. Some other conjectures which may bear on ordinary or beat Cepheids are offered.

Cox, J. P.↗

Real Gas/Blunt Cone

In this chapter recent activity in real-gas database definition and code validation will be summarized. In the Phase I report of the Working Group (WG) 181, aerothermodynamic problems were classified, for purpose of discussion, into seven types: aerodynamic parameters, viscous/shock interaction, boundary-layer transition, forebody-heating/heat-transfer, radiation and ablation, lee and base-region flow, and low-density flow. Several of these problem types were the subject of various chapters of the Phase 1 report describing real-gas effects and ground test facility issues. In this chapter some background and objectives outlined in the real-Gas effects Chapter V of the Phase 1 report will be reviewed. The results of the blunt cone test campaign developed under the auspices of the WG18 activity to study real-gas phenomena will be summarized, including the experimental and computational programs, issues and questions, and recommendations. Further, recent progress in other real-gas areas beyond the blunt cone test campaign will be discussed. Finally, a summary in which the present status of our understanding of real-gas issues will be presented.

George S. Delwert↗

A new approach to the solution of boundary value problems involving complex configurations

A new approach for solving certain types of boundary value problems about complex configurations is presented. Numerical algorithms from such diverse fields as finite elements, preconditioned Krylov subspace methods, discrete Fourier analysis, and integral equations are combined to take advantage of the memory, speed and architecture of current and emerging supercomputers. Although the approach has application to many branches of computational physics, the present effort is concentrated in areas of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) such as steady nonlinear aerodynamics, time harmonic unsteady aerodynamics, and aeroacoustics. The most significant attribute of the approach is that it can handle truly arbitrary boundary geometries and eliminates the difficult task of generating surface fitted grids.

Rubbert, P. E.↗

Finite element microscopic stress analysis of cracked composite systems

This paper considers the stress concentration problems of two types of cracked composite systems: (1) a composite system with a broken fiber (a penny-shaped crack problem), and (2) a composite system with a cracked matrix (an annular crack problem). The cracked composite systems are modeled with triangular and trapezoidal ring finite elements. Using NASTRAN (NASA Structural Analysis) finite element computer program, the stress and deformation fields in the cracked composite systems are calculated. The effect of fiber-matrix material combination on the stress concentrations and on the crack opening displacements is studied.

Ko, W. L.↗

NASA flight cell and battery issues

The author presents the important battery and cell problems, encompassing both test failures and accidents, which were encountered during the past year. Practical issues facing programs, which have to be considered in the development of a battery program strategy, are addressed. The problems of one program, the GRO (Gamma Ray Observatory), during the past year are focused on to illustrate the fundamental types of battery problems that occur. Problems encountered by other programs are briefly mentioned to complete the accounting. Two major categories of issues are defined, namely, whose which are quality and design related, i.e., problems having inherent manufacturing-process-related aspects with an impact on cell reliability, and these which are accident triggered or man induced, i.e., those operational issues having an impact on battery and cell reliability.

Schulze, N. R.↗

PS: A nonprocedural language with data types and modules

The Problem Specification (PS) nonprocedural language is a very high level language for algorithm specification. PS is suitable for nonprogrammers, who can specify a problem using mathematically-oriented equations; for expert programmers, who can prototype different versions of a software system for evaluation; and for those who wish to use specifications for portions (if not all) of a program. PS has data types and modules similar to Modula-2. The compiler generates C code. PS is first shown by example, and then efficiency issues in scheduling and code generation are discussed.

Gokhale, M. B.↗

Optimal take-off trajectories in the presence of windshear

The present consideration of takeoff trajectory optimization in eight different fundamental problems involving wind shears assumes that the power setting is held at the maximum value, and that the aircraft is controlled with respect to angle-of-attack. While the first three problems are least-squares ones of the Bolza type, the remaining five are minimax problems of the Chebyshev type which can be converted to Bolza type by means of suitable transformations. All problems are solved on the basis of the dual sequential gradient-restoration algorithm for optimal control problems. The trajectory solutions obtained are superior to constant angle-of-attack trajectories.

Miele, A.↗

Minimization versus homotopy algorithms

The relative merits and demerits of the minimization techniques are assessed using globally convergent quasi-Newton algorithms on the one hand and the homotopy algorithms on the other hand for the solution of problems of nonlinear structural analysis. Like the homotopy algorithms, the globally convergent quasi-Newton algorithms are equally suited for the solution of the nonlinear equations of structural analysis directly without having to pose the problem as an equivalent minimization problem. In the close neighborhood of the limit and bifurcation points quasi-Newton algorithms experience difficulties. Homotopy algorithms are robust for practically all types of nonlinear problems but are computationally not as cost effective since they provide an extremely accurate prediction of the response by calculating it as a large number of points. Globally convergent algorithms can perform well with very approximate Hessians, while homotopy algorithms require extremely accurate Hessians. While quasi-Newton algorithms can be very easily structured to exploit sparsity and symmetry, homotopy algorithms are not presently so structured and would require special modifications for exploitation of such features without sacrificing robustness and global convergence.

Kamat, M. P.↗

Rotating Pressure and Temperature Measurements on Scale Model Fans Using Luminescent Paints

Pressure and temperature sensitive paint (PSP, TSP) technology is a rapidly developing measurement technique that is widely accepted in external aerodynamic wind tunnel measurements. Almost all quantitative full field measurements have been on stationary surfaces. Rotating pressure and temperature measurements were successfully acquired during scale-model fan tests in the NASA Lewis Research Center 9 foot by 15 foot low speed wind tunnel at speeds as high as 9500 RPM. The use of PSP and TSP on rotating surfaces presents additional challenges to data acquisition. This paper describes in detail the techniques used to acquire global rotating pressure and temperature measurements and overcome the problems associated with this type of measurement. These include illumination and detection problems associated with moving surfaces, temperature dependence of PSP and limited emitted light available from short duration illumination sources. Solutions to these problems as well as pressure and temperature results will be discussed.

Bencic, Timothy J.↗

Methodology of modeling and measuring computer architectures for plasma simulations

A brief introduction to plasma simulation using computers and the difficulties on currently available computers is given. Through the use of an analyzing and measuring methodology - SARA, the control flow and data flow of a particle simulation model REM2-1/2D are exemplified. After recursive refinements the total execution time may be greatly shortened and a fully parallel data flow can be obtained. From this data flow, a matched computer architecture or organization could be configured to achieve the computation bound of an application problem. A sequential type simulation model, an array/pipeline type simulation model, and a fully parallel simulation model of a code REM2-1/2D are proposed and analyzed. This methodology can be applied to other application problems which have implicitly parallel nature.

Wang, L. P. T.↗

Representations of Invariant Manifolds for Applications in Three-Body Systems

The Lunar L1 and L2 libration points have been proposed as gateways granting inexpensive access to interplanetary space. To date, only individual solutions to the transfer between three-body systems have been found. The methodology to solve the problem for arbitrary three-body systems and entire families of orbits is currently being studied. This paper presents an initial approach to solve the general problem for single and multiple impulse transfers. Two different methods of representing and storing the invariant manifold data are presented. Some particular solutions are presented for two types of transfer problems, though the emphasis is on developing the methodology for solving the general problem.

Howell, K.↗

Extrapolation techniques applied to matrix methods in neutron diffusion problems

A general matrix method is developed for the solution of characteristic-value problems of the type arising in many physical applications. The scheme employed is essentially that of Gauss and Seidel with appropriate modifications needed to make it applicable to characteristic-value problems. An iterative procedure produces a sequence of estimates to the answer; and extrapolation techniques, based upon previous behavior of iterants, are utilized in speeding convergence. Theoretically sound limits are placed on the magnitude of the extrapolation that may be tolerated. This matrix method is applied to the problem of finding criticality and neutron fluxes in a nuclear reactor with control rods. The two-dimensional finite-difference approximation to the two-group neutron fluxes in a nuclear reactor with control rods. The two-dimensional finite-difference approximation to the two-group neutron-diffusion equations is treated. Results for this example are indicated.

Mccready, Robert R↗

Chebyshev polynomials are not always optimal

The problem is that of finding among all polynomials of degree at most n and normalized to be 1 at c the one with minimal uniform norm on Epsilon. Here, Epsilon is a given ellipse with both foci on the real axis and c is a given real point not contained in Epsilon. Problems of this type arise in certain iterative matrix computations and, in this context, it is generally believed and widely referenced that suitably normalized Chebyshev polynomials are optimal for such constrained approximation problems. It is shown that this is not true in general. Moreover, sufficient conditions are derived which guarantee that Chebyshev polynomials are optimal. Some numerical examples are also presented.

Fischer, Bernd↗